Review - Miley Cyrus - Bangerz

To be perfectly honest, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from ‘Bangerz’. Miley’s career may be fairly short in terms of years, but it’s impact and success is massive. She has gone from the inescapable Hannah Montana to the lackluster sales of ‘Can’t Be Tamed’ to...well...whatever we’re doing now. With a brand new, ultra-sexualized image and hip-hop taking a front seat instead of pop, would this album live up to all the hype?

While we’ve likely already seen the two biggest hits of her latest album come and go (though I’m sure we’ll be hearing them for at least the rest of the year), the CD itself is something to take some time and consider. Whether you hate or love Miley’s new swagger (gross), ‘Bangerz’ is clearly a project that she had a real hand in, and one that is surprisingly well thought-out. Interesting is the best word for the music, and shockingly good describes her vocals (girl can SING).

Miley and friends (she is joined by superproducers Mike Will Made It, Will.I.Am, and Pharell) clearly took their time and deliberately created and choose beats unlike anything happening in the mainstream right now. Not everything is perfect (certainly not the wasted opportunity “SMS [Bangerz] [ft. Britney Spears]), but I will give credit where it is due. The girl took a risk and pulled it off the best she could.

I do hope that this is a one-off record, and that her next is poppier, where Cyrus truly belongs. ‘Bangerz’ is likely a girl coming of age, getting this out of her system and having fun with her body. She’s not ashamed (not necessarily should she be), but I would rather this not stick around forever.

Listen to: “Adore You”, “We Can’t Stop”, “Wrecking Ball”, “My Darlin’ (ft. Future)”, and “#getitright”

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